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The state AG has introduced a fresh digital platform encouraging citizens to provide visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This action comes just a day after a major ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale protests.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A lawmaker revealed during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents has the right to reside free from terror," the AG stated in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to provide that footage with my office. We are committed to assessing these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform includes spaces to submit visual evidence of the raid, plus a area to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, users must tick a option that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say featured more than 50 government officers, happened in a famous district of the city where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of residents pursued the officers through the streets. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This raid had no connection to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," stated the president of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it will not apprehend American nationals. However, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Protests targeting ICE are commonplace as are accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document submitted by legal entities alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.